We kind of go by price here not %. 150K = 2K  200K = 3 to 5K  300K = 7K

With a quick close I don't want alot of EM because then I have to bring a check back to closing. Sometimes the EM check hasn't cleared.

I believe it depends on the area you work in. In NYC it was always 10%. In Charlotte area it's 1-2% on average and typically closer to 1%. But this is a negotiated item in a contract.

3-5% and even more if it is anticipated there will be multiple offers.

1-3% is pretty standard here.    Depnding on the situation if multiple offers will go in on the high range.   Also depends on the client and where the money is coming from. International money we typically see a higher range and different points in the transaction.

Depends on the market but here its typically 3% but if the buyer is getting a VA loan it's anywhere from $1000 - $5000.

In our market, it depends on whether or not you are in competition. We typically see 1-3% of the sales price, although often that number is raised after the home inspection contingency is removed, if you are not in competition.  If you are in competition, however, the sky is the limit.  

1 to 5% depending upon the property.

As little as possible if I represent a buyer 3% here in California if I represent the seller.

It depends.

We usually go with 1% of the purchase price unless the seller stipulates another

Varies with the transaction. Typically at least 5 to 10,000!

Sellers usually like to see 1% in my area.

Our local custom is 1%...  more in multiple offers. 

1-2%

I like $1000 minimum or 3% of the sales price which ever is more. 

Use what is common in your local market.

What do you mean appropriate?

Here in CA it is usually at least 3% of a purchase price. 

Depends on the property, usually a percentage - higher the % stronger the desire.

1% would be a nice start but it does depend on the circumstances. I have had buyers deposit the entire purchase price to show their sincerity and seal the deal.

Marie Story - we have 2-step process in MA. $1,000-$2,000 at offer and about 5% at the time of signing agreement.

I depends more earnest money equals a stronger offer.

Totally depends on the offer.  I expect 1% with more if it's a cash offer and less if it's a VA or FHA or USDA loan.  But it's always negotiable so the seller can always ask for a different amount if they don't like what's in the offer. 

It depends on the price of the house, anywhere from $500 to $20,000 usually.

It depends upon the situation.

Depends on the price of the poroperty...but I like $1000-$2000 on anything under $250,000

Depending on the home's listing price, either $500 ot $1000, some put down more.

It depends.  The custom here is about 5% of the offering price, but nothing is set in stone.  In a bidding war it might be a lot higher.

Depends on the property being offered on and the competition.

3-5k average and to start with as some deals can call for more

I've seen this figure vary greatly from market to market (both geography and buyer VS sellers market).  Currently I have contracts varying from $0 deposit (a FSBO between friends) to 3%.

It varies from 1 to 3% and depends on the home area.

Marie Story As much as you can get.

I cannot answer for "appropriate" ... however 3% of purchase price is standard in my area. Anything less than that would likely not be accepted.

3% min...

Low end more like 5-10% I had one 100% EMD, 24 hour closing it got rejected.... Too unconventional....

What is negotiated.

5% for resale properties....

I got 10% for my builders....and they used the deposit.... took the edge off the initial investment for them,.... 

3% is the common amount out here.  If you want to have a stronger offer, you put more down.  Money gets wired to escrow by the buyer, so we never touch it (default of the contract).

Here in my area of CA it's commonly 1 - 3%. Varies by price point, market, etc., but more when in multiple offer situations

1% most times unless it  a special house.

1% min to 10%. Depends on property and sale price.

Depends on sales price and other variables in the contract.

As a lender, please do not accept cash. It makes it much more difficult if not impossible to work with. We need a paper trail to show where the funds came from. 

I generally put down $500, unless more is requested